Math and Patterns

http://g08.cgpublisher.com/proposals/187/index_htmlThrough
the exploration of textiles we can explore a wide range of mathematical
concepts relating to regularly repeating surface decoration from basic
principles of symmetry to more complex issues of graph theory, group
theory and topology. How do we classify and construct patterns and
tilings?

Some quick ideas for this spiral applet above:The
use of this site can be tailored for 4-6th grade if students are
challenged to create several pattens and then identify the same patterns
in nature, if they are challenged to identifying obtuse and acute
angles in their pattern generations and then also explain the structural
strength of a spiral. Why is this a common structural design choice in
nature?